How Agroland obtained EUR 1 million for solar panels through the Modernisation Fund
EU funding dedicated to the transition to renewable energy sources is a major strategic opportunity for entrepreneurs in Romania's agricultural and agri-food sector.
Todos & Company editorial team · EU funding consultancy since 2006
The context of EU funding for renewable energy in agriculture
EU funding dedicated to the transition to renewable energy sources is a major strategic opportunity for entrepreneurs in Romania's agricultural and agri-food sector. The Agroland Group, led by Horia Cardoș, managed to access approximately EUR 1 million through the Modernisation Fund, an important instrument within the European Union's support mechanisms. The Modernisation Fund is intended to help lower-income Member States adapt their infrastructure and promote green technologies, thereby making it easier to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and improve energy efficiency.
Who can apply and what the main criteria are
Eligible beneficiaries of Modernisation Fund financing include businesses in sectors vulnerable to rising energy prices, including agricultural units. In Agroland's case, the investment involved installing four solar panel plants to power both a poultry farm and a feed mill, two essential components of the integrated agricultural value chain.
Eligibility requires the project to contribute, in a verifiable way, to energy efficiency, the reduction of polluting emissions and the promotion of alternative sources, and beneficiaries must meet a set of financial and technical conditions, such as administrative capacity, a guarantee of the project's sustainability, and compliance with national and European energy legislation.
Documentation and preparing the funding application file
Preparing a solid file is essential to successfully accessing these EU funds. It is recommended to gather documents such as:
- A detailed project plan, including the cost estimate and the technical description of the solar panel plants;
- Environmental permits and approvals;
- The company's financial documents, including balance sheets and recent accounting statements;
- Feasibility studies and environmental impact analyses;
- Evidence of administrative capacity and previous experience in implementing similar projects.
Working with consultants specialised in EU funds, who can ensure the file is properly drawn up and submitted, considerably increases your chances of success.
The impact of the investment on Agroland and the Romanian agricultural sector
The solar panels will reduce the Agroland group's energy costs, an important competitive advantage at a time of volatile and rising energy prices. This move towards renewable sources means not only financial savings in the medium and long term, but also compliance with European environmental standards, which are becoming increasingly demanding.
Beyond the direct benefits for the company, such investments help strengthen the local market of green technology suppliers, stimulate job creation in new fields and facilitate technology transfer. In addition, Agroland's example may encourage other agricultural companies to access similar funds, which will accelerate the energy transition in the sector.
What companies need to prepare and what to watch out for
Companies interested in accessing Modernisation Fund money should carefully consider a few essential steps:
- Assessing your own energy needs and identifying realistic investment projects in renewable sources or energy efficiency;
- Consulting national and European legislation on environmental protection and the eligibility criteria specified for the fund;
- Preparing a complete and coherent file, bearing in mind that projects are frequently rejected because of incomplete or non-compliant documentation;
- Paying special attention to the post-investment monitoring and reporting stages in order to meet contractual requirements;
- Working with experienced project consultants to optimise your chances of securing funding and implementing the project.
Entrepreneurs should view this funding as an opportunity to transform their businesses, increasing their value and sustainability in a global economy that is ever more receptive to clean energy.
Want to find out what non-refundable funding you can access?
The Todos Company team helps you with the whole process: from checking eligibility and calculating your score, to preparing the application file and submitting the project.
